Running and Holiday Traditions
Andy Jones-Wilkins reflects on a Thanksgiving ritual, and how it has become a part of his life in the same way as running has.
Andy Jones-Wilkins
Title: AJW’s Taproom Columnist
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Social Media Links
Expertise
- Topics of Expertise: Trail running, ultrarunning, run coaching
- Amount of Expertise: 22 years trail running, 30 years ultrarunning, and 12 years coaching running, along with more than 500 articles published in the AJW’s Taproom column.
Education & Certifications
- Education: Bachelor of Arts, American Studies, Hamilton College; Master of Arts in Liberal Studies, Villanova University
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Years of Professional Experience Relevant to iRunFar: 11 years writing AJW’s Taproom
- Club Memberships: Aravaipa Running, Virginia Happy Trails Running Club, Charlottesville Area Trail Runners Club
- Other Relevant Positions, Current or Past: Senior-level coach with CTS, frequent contributor to Trail Runner Nation Podcast, Koopcast, and the Adventure Jogger podcast.
A Word from Andy Jones-Wilkins
I aim to inspire and motivate others about and through trail running and ultrarunning by providing thoughtful and provocative columns. My personal interests include trail running, ultrarunning, gravel cycling, and pizza making.
Scheming and Dreaming Season
A look ahead to popular race plans for 2024 and trends in ultrarunning.
Race Director Chronicles: Libby Jones and The Active Joe
A profile of Dinosaur Valley Endurance Runs race director, Libby Jones.
Golden Ticket Season: The History and Evolution of the Western States 100 Golden Ticket Races
A brief history and explanation of the Western States 100 Golden Ticket Races.
Race Director Chronicles: Jubilee Paige and Aravaipa Running
A profile of Javelina 100 Mile and Black Canyon Ultras race director, Jubilee Paige.
Paying Homage to the Classic September 100 Milers
AJW pays homage to eight of his favorite fall 100 milers.
Ultrarunning as a Soul Sport
AJW writes about finding food for the soul, in running or other sports.
Race Director Chronicles: Michele Hartwig and Ornery Mule Racing
An interview with Michele Hartwig of Ornery Mule Racing.
Running and Aging: From Strength to Strength
An essay about transitioning to the second half of life as a runner.
The Western States, Hardrock, and Leadville 100 Milers, 14 Years Later
AJW’s reflections on the changes through the years at three iconic American ultramarathons.
When the Race Flame Dims
Ideas for enjoying our sport and the outdoors when you aren’t inspired to race.
Race Director Chronicles: The One and Only Dave Walker
An interview with Dave Walker, race director of the Worlds End Ultramarathon.
2023 Vermont 100 Mile: Canceled Due to Flooding
Flood damage and severe safety concerns forced the cancellation of the 2023 Vermont 100 Mile.
The Calm Before the Storm at the 2023 Hardrock 100
The atmosphere in Silverton, Colorado, is warming up for the 2023 Hardrock 100.
Late Night at the Western States 100 Highway 49 Crossing
AJW reflects on volunteering at the 2023 Western States 100.
Race Director Chronicles: Shaun Collins and the Lactic Turkey Events
We profile Shaun Collins, who puts on trail races through his company Lactic Turkey Events, in New Zealand.
Intriguing Stories and Predictions for the 2023 Western States 100
Here are some of the storylines you should be following at the 2023 Western States 100.
A Perfect Storm at the 2023 Western States 100
An update on the restoration of the Western States Trail ahead of the 2023 Western States 100.
A Day at the 2023 Cocodona 250 Mile
AJW recounts his experience of volunteering at the 2023 Cocodona 250 Mile, and what it is that makes 200-plus-mile races different from other ultramarathons.
Race Director Chronicles: Sidónio Freitas and the Madeira Island Ultra-Trail
A profile of Sidónio Freitas, race director of the Maderia Island Ultra-Trail.
The Three-Day Training Camp
AJW writes about the benefits of a three-day training camp for ultramarathon build-up, especially 100-mile races.
Three Possible Ultrarunning Rule Changes
AJW muses on a few possible rule changes that could alter the sport of ultrarunning.
Exploring the Limits of Age-Group Running at the 2023 Jackpot Ultrarunning Festival
A recap of and reflection on the age-group races at the 2023 Jackpot Ultrarunning Festival.
